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Has your dog been concerning you or cracking you up with a new habit? If you’ve noticed your dog snorting like a pig, you might wonder what the heck is going on and thinking, “Why does my dog sound like a pig?” While we can’t say exactly what you’re hearing, there are several causes for pig-like snorts and dogs.
Some reasons like reverse sneezing are usually harmless and short-lived, while others might be a cause for concern. In this article, we’re going to explore several reasons your dog might be snorting—and if you need to be concerned.
The 7 Reasons Dogs Snort Like Pigs
1. Brachycephalic Breed
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Dogs with brachycephalic features, i.e., a flat face and short snout, are more prone to breathing problems which can cause them to snort like a pig. Brachycephalic breeds have a normal amount of tissue packed into a smaller head, they often suffer with narrow nostrils and windpipe and an overlong soft palate. All of these factors can contribute to breathing difficulties.
Some dogs that are brachycephalic include:
So if your flat-faced dog is snorting regularly, particularly if they are showing other signs like exercise intolerance or wheezing, it may be a sign of breathing difficulties and you should get them checked out by your vet.
2. Allergies
Allergies can also cause a dog to snort, most likely if it is a seasonal allergy caused by pollen. If this is the case, your dog will only snort at certain times of the year, usually during the spring and summer months.
Some signs can include:
Ear itching
Eye discharge
Face rubbing
Head shaking
Itching
Licking the air
Sneezing
If you’re concerned or signs persist, your vet should examine them and may prescribe allergy medications such as antihistamines.
3. Respiratory Infection
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If your dog has a respiratory infection, that can cause all sorts of problems. However, if your dog really hasn’t shown a sign of illness yet, but you notice excess snorting, it might be time to pay attention so you can detect other signs of illness.
Dogs can get all sorts of respiratory infections, ranging from mild to severe. Some of them you can barely detect while others require critical vet attention. Even though the root causes can be different, often these signs are very similar.
Some signs can include:
Coughing
Fever
Lethargy
Nasal/ocular discharge
Shortness of breath
Sneezing
While many upper respiratory infections like kennel cough usually resolve on their own in 2 to 3 weeks with supportive care, veterinary treatment is sometimes required. If your dog is snorting and showing any other signs, such as lethargy or inappetence, they should be checked out by your vet so that appropriate treatment can be given.
4. Reverse Sneezing
If you ever witness a dog reverse sneezing for the first time, it can be an immediate, anxiety inducing feeling. After all, it looks like they’re struggling really hard, and it seems like they can’t breathe.
However, reverse sneezing, no matter how bad it looks, is extremely common. It might scare you, and it might even cause your dog to go into a bit of a panic themselves.
Since reverse sneezing seems like a fit of some kind, it might be hard for you to visualize if you haven’t seen it before. If you’re wondering if what we’re describing is the same thing as your dog is experiencing, we have a little video for you.
Some dogs’ reverse sneezes sound more like a pig than others. When your dog is having an attack, you can console them through it. Some even recommend holding one nostril shut, with the other nostril completely option, to trick the body and end the fit.
5. Collapsing Trachea
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A collapsed trachea is unfortunately a quite common issue that happens among certain breeds of dogs, particularly small breeds. Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage rings that surround and support the windpipe weaken, causing it to collapse in on itself. When this happens, it can make it very difficult for your dog to breathe, especially during high exertion periods or if they are excited.
Some signs can include:
Coughing which often sounds like a goose honk
Noisy breathing
Wheezing
Exercise intolerance
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Blue gums
Many dogs respond well to medical management and lifestyle adjustments. Your vet will develop a treatment plan to address the issue. But especially if not treated, the condition can get worse over time.
6. Inhalation of a Foreign Object
If you’ve noticed your dog is frequently snorting, it might be because there is a foreign object lodged somewhere in their respiratory tract. Whether they sniffed something into their nasal cavity or they have something lodged on the way down, it can cause fits for them trying to expel it.
Dogs with foreign material lodged in their nose will sneeze and snort, they will usually also show signs of extreme discomfort and paw and rub at their nose frequently. If you see these signs and are concerned your pet has inhaled a foreign object then a visit to the vet as soon as possible is warranted.
7. Tumors
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Dogs can develop tumors that are either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). We wanted to save this for last because it is definitely rare and unusual. Sometimes, depending on placement and type of cancer, tumors can cause snorting.
A good example would be if your dog had a nasal tumor. It might also be something called nasal polyps. Polyps are non-cancerous growths inside of a dog’s nose that can cause a myriad of odd symptoms.
Some signs can include:
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Crusty nose
Stertor (snoring-like noisy breathing)
Visible pink tissue protruding from the nostril
When Should You See a Vet
If in doubt it’s always best to seek veterinary advice to ensure your dog’s well-being. If your dog’s snorting seems unusual, starts to increase in frequency, is causing them distress, or is accompanied by signs that might indicate a more serious problem, it’s time to get them to the vet right away.
You may just want a second opinion to make sure it’s an issue like reverse sneezing instead of something more sinister.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my dog grunt like a pig?”, now you have a better understanding of why your dog could be behaving this way. There are quite a few issues that can make this happen and snorting is more common in some dogs than others.
If the snorting seems sudden or unusual, it’s always best to consult with your vet about any changes in your dog’s overall health or behavior. They can take a look and then instruct you according to what they find!
Featured Image Credit: Ruben PH_Shutterstock
